Title: What Makes Us Stronger
Series: A Well Paired Novel
Author: Marianne Rice
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Lily Novak’s life in Crystal Cove, Maine is just about perfect. She has a
great group of friends, runs a successful day spa, and has managed to build her new life without anyone asking about her mysterious past. There’s nothing more she could want…except maybe to catch the eye of the gorgeous and introverted carpenter, who also happens to be her friend’s brother.
Ty Parker knew fear in the Army, but nothing like the panic of seeing smoke billow from Lily’s building. When a dryer fire brings him face to face with the heart-stopping Lily Novak—and her lacy black thong—he can’t deny the chemistry sparking between them.
As their feelings deepen, Lily’s evasiveness reignites the self-doubt Ty has been battling for years. Lily knows her secrets are putting her relationship with Ty at risk, but telling him the truth puts both their lives in danger. She’s just not sure she’s strong enough to sacrifice her heart to keep the man she loves safe from the secrets of her past.
Marianne Rice is a new author to me and after reading What Makes Us Stronger I have no idea why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now well that’s about to change because I certainly will be checking out the previous books in the Well Paired Series and whilst we are talking about this book being number 3 in that series I’m proof this book can be read as a stand-alone because I loved it.
This series centres around the ladies of Crystal Cove and this book is Ty and Lily’s story, both broken souls hiding behind their wounds and secrets from their pasts make for a bumpy road to get to their HEA. The inhabitants of Crystal Cove make for very interesting reading they draw you in and this author has a wonderful way of making you feel part of the small town community, I loved the characters, I loved the story and I loved that this author wasn’t afraid to bring depression as an illness. This very talented author has a unique writing style and I can’t wait to read more from her. 
Marianne Rice is a new author to me and why that is, I have no idea. This book was such an enjoyable read from the first page to the last. I was so invested in Ty and Lily and was cheering for them to get their happily ever after.
I loved the story behind the women who are a part of the Crystal Cove book club and I will be going back to read any other books I have missed in this series as soon as possible.
Lily and Ty have has a crush on each other for a couple of years but neither of them have acted on their feelings. However after a small fire, interference by Ty’s sister all roads lead ts to Ty and Lily finally getting together.
The struggles that Ty has with his extremely lazy dog Meatballs had me in stitches at times as the writing was so descriptive I could almost see what was, or in most cases wasn’t happening.
I loved that Ty who has trust issues, thanks to his past, was not afraid to finally put himself out there and to open up to Lily. Now if only he could learn more about Lily’s mysterious life before she arrived in Crystal Cove things might be able to move to the next level.
The writing was strong and the characters were easy to relate too. I would love to belong to the Crystal Cove Book Cub.
What Makes is Stronger is a sweet small town romance. This is the first book I have read by Marianne Rice and I am definitely going to check out the other books in her A Well Paired series. It is easy to fall in love with the characters of this town.
This book was Lily and Ty’s turn at finding love together. They each had their own secrets and until they found the trust needed in a relationship, they held on to those secrets. Ty had been badly hurt in a prior relationship and had huge trust issues. He also battled depression and his own insecurities. So, it has taken a lot for him to open himself up to Lily and fully trust that what they have could be real.
Lily is not who she used to be, not by choice, but for her own safety. Bringing up
her past could put those around her in danger and she has finally found a place filled with friends who care about her and someone to finally love her for who she is.
Now that her secret is out, she has to be honest with everyone and hope they still accept and love her as the woman that they all know.
Marianne Rice writes contemporary romantic fiction set in small New England towns. She loves high heels, reading romance, scarfing down dark chocolate, gulping wine, and Chris Hemsworth. Oh, and her husband and three children. You can follow her all over social media, and keep up to tabs with her latest releases on her website: www.mariannerice.com
